Do you also sneeze often? Do you have a runny nose when you wake up in the morning? Do your eyes get red and itchy? Or do you get red, itchy rashes all over your body after eating certain foods, such as shrimp or fish? If these things happen to you often, most of the time the reason for this is that your body is "not responding" to something, which means you may be allergic. So, today we are going to talk about a special test that our doctors do to find out exactly what you are allergic to.
Simply put, what is an allergy test?
An allergy test is a medical test that is done to find out exactly what things (called allergens ) are causing your allergic symptoms. This involves your doctor testing your body to see how it reacts to things you think you might be allergic to in a very controlled environment, such as a clinic or hospital.
Think about it, some people can't stand house dust. Others are allergic to cat and dog fur. Some people sneeze because of the pollen of certain flowers. Similarly, some people can be allergic to foods like peanuts, milk, soy, or even a wasp sting or latex gloves.
So, this allergy test can help you identify exactly what allergen is causing your symptoms. This will then help your doctor develop a treatment plan that works best for you and help you manage your symptoms. These tests are very safe and effective ways to identify allergies.
What types of allergy tests are there?
There are different types of allergy tests. Your doctor will choose the most suitable test for you based on your symptoms, age, and the cause of your suspected allergy. Let's take a look at the main types of tests available.
| Test Name | How to do it and what to know |
|---|---|
| Skin Prick (Scratch) Test | This is the most common test. This involves placing a drop of the substance you think you may be allergic to on your arm or back and then gently scraping the skin with a very fine needle. If you are allergic to that substance, the area will turn red and a small bump will form within about 15 minutes. This is used to test for allergies to things like dust, pollen, foods, and medications like penicillin. |
| Intradermal Skin Test | This test is done if the results of the skin prick test mentioned above are unclear. This involves injecting a small amount of allergen into the top layer of your skin (epidermis). This is useful for detecting allergies to things in the air, certain medications, and insect stings. |
| Patch Test | This test mainly looks for the cause of contact dermatitis. Imagine that when you wear some artificial earrings, your earlobes get scratched. This test is done at times like these. Here, a patch containing the allergen is applied to your skin and left for about 2-4 days. Then, the doctor removes the patch and checks if there is any reaction on the skin. |
| Blood (IgE) Test | What happens here is that a blood sample is taken from you and sent to a lab. At the lab, allergens are added to that blood and the level of an antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in your body is measured. This IgE level is elevated in someone with an allergy. |
| Oral Challenge Test | This is only done under the full supervision of a doctor. This is especially done if you suspect you have an allergy to a food or medicine. Here, you are given a very small amount of the suspected food or medicine and are given it to you little by little. If there is any reaction, the doctor is ready to treat it immediately. |
Why do I need to do an allergy test?
There may be several reasons why your doctor might suggest a test like this.
- If you constantly have annoying allergy symptoms (such as sneezing, itchy skin, red eyes).
- If you have asthma. Because sometimes allergies can make asthma worse. This is called allergic asthma .
- If you have ever had a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis .
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency that can cause hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and a sudden drop in blood pressure (anaphylactic shock).
If you have a severe case like this, it is essential to get an allergy test to determine the exact cause. Also, if you are at risk, the doctor advises you to keep an epinephrine auto-injector (e.g. EpiPen®) with you in case of emergency.
How do I know if I need an allergy test?
Allergies vary from person to person. Even if you and your friend are both allergic to the same thing, the symptoms may be different. Let's take a look at some of the common symptoms.
Airborne allergies (allergies to things like dust and pollen in the air)
This condition is also called allergic rhinitis or "hay fever."
- Frequent headaches
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Nasal congestion, sneezing, or runny nose
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or persistent cough
- Sore throat
Food Allergies
Symptoms usually begin within 30 minutes of eating a meal, but can sometimes appear as late as two hours.
- Skin symptoms: hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, itching.
- Respiratory system symptoms: cough, difficulty breathing, feeling of tightness in the chest or throat.
- Digestive system symptoms: nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
- Cardiovascular system symptoms: pale skin, weak pulse, dizziness.
Contact allergies
These symptoms can occur if you are allergic to metals such as latex, perfumes, and nickel.
- Skin inflammation or blistering
- Bruising and swelling
- Skin rash and itching
If you have any of these symptoms, it's best to talk to your doctor. Sometimes we write them off as "just something small." But don't. Allergic reactions can sometimes be unimaginably severe.
Do I need to prepare before the test?
Yes. Your doctor will often ask you to stop taking any allergy medications (such as antihistamines ) three to seven days before the test, as these medications can affect the test results. However, if you are taking medication for asthma, you should continue to take it. However, be sure to ask your doctor which medications you should stop taking and which you should continue taking before the test.
What happens after the test results come in?
If the test confirms that you have an allergy, the doctor will suggest appropriate treatments for you.
- Stay away from allergens: Avoid the things you are allergic to as much as possible. For example, if you are allergic to pollen, try to limit your exposure to pollen outdoors.
- Daily medications: Medications such as nasal sprays and antihistamines can help control symptoms.
- Allergy Shots: This is called immunotherapy . It involves gradually exposing your body to the allergen. This is a long-term treatment that takes about 3-5 years.
- Medical Alert Card: It is very important for someone with severe allergies to wear a card or bracelet like this in case of an emergency.
- Keeping an Epinephrine Injector: If there is a risk of anaphylaxis, it is essential to keep this injector nearby at all times.
Are at-home allergy tests reliable?
These types of test kits, which are available at pharmacies or online , are not very reliable. The results they provide can often be wrong. Such an incorrect result can even lead you to stop eating certain nutritious foods.
So always remember, if you suspect an allergy, the safest and most accurate way is to see a qualified doctor and get the necessary tests done, rather than jumping to conclusions on your own.
Take-Home Message
- An allergy test is a safe medical test that is performed to find the exact cause of your allergic symptoms, that is, what you are allergic to (allergen).
- There are different types of tests, such as skin tests and blood tests. Your doctor will choose the one that is most suitable for you.
- If you have symptoms such as frequent sneezing, itchy skin, or difficulty eating certain foods, do not ignore it and seek medical advice.
- Always have these tests done by a doctor, as at-home test kits are not reliable.
- If you are at risk of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), always carry an epinephrine injector (EpiPen) with you, as directed by your doctor.
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